Volvo EX90 update: More voltage, faster clocking

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Whoever is responsible for the strategy surrounding the market launch of the Volvo EX90—he probably has a very thick skin. A brief look back: The e-SUV was unveiled at the end of 2022 and has been delivered in Germany since 2024. For the 2026 model year, which starts in November 2025, Volvo is giving the car a comprehensive technology update after just over a year. Great for all those who won't take possession of their EX90 until then, but previous customers will no longer be sitting in the latest version of the car shortly after the series goes on sale. And the changes are by no means trivial. But Volvo has taken precautions in at least one area.

Conversion to 800 volts

Previously, the EX90 could charge with up to 250 kW at its peak, but only at selected charging stations. This is because, on the one hand, it had a 400-volt system and, on the other, most DC charging stations deliver a maximum of 500 A. This means that charging stops at around 200 kW at these charging points. As in the ES90 saloon, the EX90 SUV is now also being converted to an 800-volt platform. This increases the maximum charging capacity.

Fast on average too

Volvo offers two battery sizes in the EX90. Even the smaller one has a net 88 kWh to offer and can be charged with up to 310 kW. The larger version is designed to accept up to 350 kW and has a usable energy content of 102 kWh. Under ideal conditions, both should be able to raise the charge level from 10 to 80 percent in 22  minutes. This results in average net charging capacities of 168 kW (88 kWh battery) and 195 kW (102 kWh battery) in this window. The charging losses must, of course, be added to these charging capacities. Volvo does not quite come close to the promises made by BMW in the iX3, but it should still be fast enough for many applications. After all, such performance remains dependent on the infrastructure, and charging stations with more than 300 kW are still rare in Germany.

Upgrade also for existing models

Elsewhere, Volvo has taken an unusual step, as it would otherwise be difficult to communicate such early intervention. EX90 owners will receive a one-off processor upgrade free of charge when they visit the workshop. Volvo is upgrading to two Nvidia Drive AGX Orin processors, which all EX90s that roll off the production line from November 2025 will also receive. This will bring additional functions. Connected vehicles can now warn the driver of hazards. An automatic emergency steering function will now also work in the dark, and an emergency stop system will contact the rescue centre via e-call if the driver can no longer do so. The parking assistant can now also utilize parallel parking spaces.

Restrained interest

Volvo offers three engines and four equipment lines for the EX90. The base model is priced at 85,990 Euro, while the top-of-the-range model officially costs 109,790 Euro. Volvo is aware that with the EX90 it is operating far outside the mass of the sales market. However, only 769 EX90s were registered in Germany for the first time in the first seven months. That is poor even in this segment. For orientation: in the same period, almost 6000 Volvo XC90s were sold—and this is also absolutely unsuspected of being a bargain.

(mfz)